Philadelphia
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, is also known as the City of Brotherly Love, where the common greeting is, “Go Birds”; and where people love their Philly cheesesteaks and soft pretzels. Philadelphia sports play a prominent role in the city, and the fans are passionate — if you have a chance to go to a sporting event while in town, don’t pass it up.
GETTING THERE & AROUND
Philadelphia International Airport — the main airport serving Philadelphia and its surrounding areas — lies about 20 minutes outside of Center City. Once you arrive, a SEPTA train can take you from the airport to the city, or you can take a cab or car service. While exploring the city, the subway offers a great way to get from place to place.
LODGING The Bellevue Hotel
The Bellevue Hotel is a living landmark in Philadelphia that embodies the style and revelry of the city. The 11,616-square-foot Grand Ballroom hosts plenty of weddings, balls and extravagant events.
200 S. Broad St., Philadelphia, PA 19102, tel 215 893 1234 hyatt.com
Four Seasons Hotel Philadelphia at Comcast Center
Stay above the clouds and enjoy the modern lifestyle while staying in one of Philadelphia’s nicest hotels. Take a dip in the hotel’s 57th-floor, infinity-edge pool, enjoy breathtaking views, delicious meals and more.
1 N. 19th St., Philadelphia, PA 19103, tel 215 419 5000 fourseasons.com
The Ritz-carlton, Philadelphia
The Ritz-carlton, Philadelphia is one of the city’s most unique hotels, housed in the walls of a magnificent Neoclassical bank building dating back to 1908.
10 Avenue of the Arts, Philadelphia, PA 19102, tel 215 523 8000 ritzcarlton.com
DINING Estia Restaurant
Estia is the perfect place for an authentic Greek Mediterranean dining experience. The décor was carefully chosen to create a traditional atmosphere. Once you eat here, you’ll want to add Mediterranean dishes to your everyday diet.
1405-07 Locust St., Philadelphia, PA 19102, tel 215 735 7700 estiarestaurant.com
Little Nonna’s
This Italian-american restaurant is one of many businesses owned and operated by Marcie Turney and Valerie Safran. Whether you choose to sit inside the restaurant or outside in the garden, you won’t be disappointed — although the best seats are at the chef’s counter and in the garden, which provide a great view of the open kitchen.
1234 Locust St., Philadelphia, PA 19107, tel 215 546 2100 littlenonnas.com
Pat’s King of Steaks
You can’t visit Philadelphia without getting a Philly cheesesteak “wiz wit.” Pat’s has been around since 1930, is the home of the first cheesesteak and claims to be one of the best in Philly. The Olivieri family has owned and operated the restaurant for more than 90 years.
1237 E. Passyunk Ave., Philadelphia, PA 19147, tel 215 468 1546 patskingofsteaks.com
ATTRACTIONS The Liberty Bell
One of the most popular tourist locations in Philadelphia is The Liberty Bell, located in Philadelphia’s Historic District. Visit the Liberty Bell Center to learn the story, meaning and history behind the bell on a walk-through tour. Currently, timed tickets are required for Independence Hall.
526 Market St., Philadelphia, PA 19106, tel 215 965 2305 nps.gov/inde/planyourvisit/libertybellcenter.htm
Philadelphia Art Museum
The Rocky movies were based in Philadelphia. On your visit, recreate the iconic scene and run up the Art Museum steps just as Rocky did. While you’re there, take some time to explore the inside of the museum and admire the art.
2600 Benjamin Franklin Parkway, Philadelphia, PA 19130, tel 215 763 8100 philamuseum.org
Reading Terminal Market
Explore one of America’s largest and oldest public markets, housed in a National Historic Landmark building. The market offers a wide selection of locally sourced produce, meats and poultry as well as the finest pastries, baked goods, seafood and cheeses. Grab a bite to eat at one of the delicious restaurants and check out the crafts, cookbooks and more.
51 N. 12th St., Philadelphia, PA 19107, tel 215 922 2317 readingterminalmarket.org